Volume 45 - Issue 9 - February 26, 2026

State of Kansas

Office of the Governor

Message from the Governor Regarding Veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 244

This poorly drafted bill will have numerous and significant consequences far beyond the intent to limit the right for trans people to use the appropriate bathroom.

Under this bill:

If your grandfather is in a nursing home in a shared room, as a granddaughter, you would not be able to visit him.

If your wife is in a shared hospital room, as a husband, you would not be able to visit her.

If your sister is living in a dorm at K-State, as a brother, you would not be able to visit her in her room.

If you feel you have to accompany your nine-year-old daughter to the restroom at a sporting event, as a father, you would have to either enter the women’s restroom with her or let her use the restroom alone.

I believe the Legislature should stay out of the business of telling Kansans how to go to the bathroom and instead stay focused on how to make life more affordable for Kansans.

Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Substitute for Senate Bill 244.

Dated February 13, 2026.

Laura Kelly
Governor
State of Kansas

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